Everyone in Grimes County supports each other, but that was taken to another level this last weekend, as community members came together to begin putting together something special for one local resident.
At the last Navasota City Council meeting, a variance request was submitted for building a tiny home, under 750 square feet, for Blanch Stewart. He is a Navasota resident who has become legally blind in recent years, and has been living in a building with no electricity, plumbing, air or heating, nor any insulation.
That city council meeting gave Jonathan Jennings, from Helping Hands of Grimes County, a chance to speak about what inspired him to help out Mr. Stewart.
“I came to the acquaintance, driving on Highway 90 towards Anderson. Seeing him walk, legally blind, on Highway 90, coming back to purchase food, so he could walk all the way back to where he resides behind the firehouse. This is not okay,” said Jennings.
In talking to council, Jennings also made the case for them in approving that variance request, as city ordinance does not allow homes smaller than 750 square feet to be built unless approved.
“It is not feasible, nor is it economical, for this person to have a 750 square foot home,” stated Jennings.
Now, part of the agreement, is that Stewart must make efforts to pay his taxes, which total around $17,000, and he must have utilities auto paid every month. But, he has accepted those terms, and is eager to get help.
“I don’t think any human being, under these standards, could possibly pick themselves up without proper family, without having assistance from someone. I do not think anyone [in this room] understand what it is like to be legally blind, in a shack, with no electricity and no water,” said Jennings at the meeting.
Help came on Saturday morning, as Helping Hands of Grimes County, alongside several volunteers, went out and broke ground on the new tiny house for Stewart.
Jennings has noted they hope to have the home complete in the next few weeks. For more information and updates, visit the Helping Hands of Grimes County Facebook page.